Emotional return for Eduardo

Saturday 17 January 2009 00:02 BST

Arsenal match-winner Eduardo scored twice on his first appearance for almost a year and then hailed his achievement as "the best day of my life."

The Croatia forward has been out since February last year following an horrendous leg break but proved his fitness on international duty in midweek. And he starred on Monday night as Arsenal outclassed Cardiff to win their FA Cup fourth-round replay 4-0.

"It was the best day of my life," he said. "It was a special moment to score, very emotional."

He added: "I celebrated by kissing my wedding ring - because my wife and daughter and family supported me right through this."

Eduardo's performance for his country had convinced Gunners manager Arsene Wenger to hand him a recall in place of Robin van Persie at the Emirates, and the Frenchman was rewarded with a fine first--half effort and a second-half penalty which Eduardo 'won' and converted.

Nicklas Bendtner and Van Persie also got on the scoresheet as Cardiff were comprehensively outclassed. But the night belonged to Eduardo, whose return was greeted with gusto by the home faithful.

"Everybody is very happy for him. This is the kind of game we love to play, and it was good to see them play with the handbrake off," he said.

"He played a big part in that, and I'm very pleased for him. He's been extremely strong mentally. I've never seen one minute of doubt in his mind, not one minute where he said 'I don't want to do this'.

"He is always wanting more. This guy is small but he has the mental strength of a mountain."